Hardware & Technical CH Pro Throttle

NeilF

NeilF
So just received mine, and I'll be setting up later this week.

For those of you out there with one, any hits/tips to save me some time? Is it just a matter of installing the latest manager and off you go?

Have some of you gone with a middle zero point, with forwards and backwards for forwards and backwards (which is what I'm used to) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrPOLnmkXE

Or have you configured it for full movement/range for the throttle, and a buttom to toggle it for reverse? Or have you just go a button for full reverse instead?
 
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Retu81

R
I have said throttle. Basically you just install the manager and calibrate the throttle from there. Then you're good to go. I have also set my throttle to have zero setting in the middle. No modding done, but I have set a small deadzone from the game settings, so it isn't so finicky to set the throttle to zero.

Another tip is, that if you don't have any headtracker available (EDtracker/TrackIR etc.), then you can set the ministick in the throttle working as a mouse and assign two buttons in the throttle for enabling/disabling mouselook and centering the view. Makes looking around a lot easier.
 

Tarman

Tarman
I've found I've never touched the CH setup program other than to look around in it and initial calibration; the throttle set up well in-game for me. It's got near-same amount of buttons as the CH Flightstick, plus the awesome thumbstick for my XY thrusters; Z-axis I put on two of the grip-front buttons, plus a hold-down for FAO.

I also like to diagram my control arrangement on high-button-count control schemes; both for learning, iterating on without having to remember by number what the buttons are, and for emergency lost rebinding. For a game like this it seems handy to have a ref sheet while working on optimal placement till you just know what does what.

For reversing, I went with the full-range throttle, despite the lack of a detente. I gave it a mild deadzone, but I also made labels from scratch (scotch tape and an arrow I think is from a printer ink cartridge, plus a sliver of white label on the stick to mark out zero). Mostly it's by feel now. I found personally after previous experience with mech throttles that the reverse button method just ended up making my throttling confusing rather than useful. YMMV ofc.

Edit: Another tip! Ch kit is pretty light, not cheaply made but light. I've put some of that no-slip kitchen mat underneath it because I didn't want to go crazy with the perma-attached stuff on my desk or a bunch of velcro stickers. No need to reef this kit around as it operates smoothly, so unless you're a bodybuilder then you won't need the 3" drywall screws.
 
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NeilF

NeilF
^^ Interesting you've both gone for middle = 0 thrust, forward=forward, reverse=reverse. Does seem the most natural usage. I assume that's all defined/configured within ED? Or do you need to use the config tool to achieve it?


Retu81 said:
I have said throttle. Basically you just install the manager and calibrate the throttle from there. Then you're good to go. I have also set my throttle to have zero setting in the middle. No modding done, but I have set a small deadzone from the game settings, so it isn't so finicky to set the throttle to zero.

Another tip is, that if you don't have any headtracker available (EDtracker/TrackIR etc.), then you can set the ministick in the throttle working as a mouse and assign two buttons in the throttle for enabling/disabling mouselook and centering the view. Makes looking around a lot easier.
Click to expand...

I have an EDTracker ;)

I'll be trying to use that analog joystick for vert/hori thrusters in the hope its better than a digital hat...
 
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thearmysredneck

T
I use a toggle reverse on mine. The middle finger button actually. The mini stick is sweet for thruster usage. Toss the software in the software storage box unless you have a different application and you really need it. I just went and configured it through the windows device manager to calibrate it. It is truly plug and play.
 

Giskard

Giskard
I've been using the CH throttle for about 7 months now and I love it. I have it set to only be producing 'forward' thrust. (ie, when it is pulled right back, the throttle is at zero and any forward movement produces forward thrust - up to the maximum). There are three buttons on the back of the throttle and I use the left one for reverse thrust, the middle for supercruise and the right for 'boost'.

But my favourite thing about the throttle, is the little analogue joystick on it. It's brilliant and sits perfectly to be manipulated with your left thumb. (I use mine for vertical/horizontal thrusting).

I've found that I haven't had to do any mucking about with software or anything. I've only used the 'CH Control Manager' to calibrate it once and that's it. I think some people WAY over complicate things!
 

Abil Midena

Abil Midena
I have mine set for 0 in the middle for thrust. I found using the mini stick for yaw works great, and I use the castle switch for fwd/back thrusters. Up/down thrusters are set on my joystick.

I use the other two for menu/tab navigation, and the forefinger one for cargo scoop/gear/deploy weaps. Basically, I try to bind the dangerous controls (boost/silent run/jettison cargo) to one place, so I'm not hitting boost when trying to deploy landing gear.

I also have the three buttons set for SC/Hyper space/boost. Very handy.
 

NeilF

NeilF
kile said:
I've ordered just ordered one this morning. I can't wait to try it out :)
Click to expand...

What are you using it with? I'm awaiting my Cobra M5 from europe ;)

Just got my Throttle out of the box. Very nice long straight smooth slide action to it. I might try putting a very small bit of velco padding in the middle of its travel (as per video but smaller) to see if they gives a small little notch effect.
 
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Tarman

Tarman
NeilF said:
^^ Interesting you've both gone for middle = 0 thrust, forward=forward, reverse=reverse. Does seem the most natural usage. I assume that's all defined/configured within ED? Or do you need to use the config tool to achieve it?




I have an EDTracker ;)

I'll be trying to use that analog joystick for vert/hori thrusters in the hope its better than a digital hat...
Click to expand...

Yeah, all in-game setup. And yes, that stick is way better than a digital hat for thruster application. Answering your later question of what it's used with, I have a full setup of CH stuff; the throttle, the Flightstick, and the pedals which I use for roll instead of yaw like most pilots around here.

Here also is my fabulous high-tech Zero Point Detection system.

p7ueoYn.jpg
 

NeilF

NeilF
I've noticed some folks have assigned pip combinations to their POV switches, but that would mean pressing a POV in a direction issuing multiple keyboard commands (eg: down, right, right, for example). Is that something the Command Manager can easily do? ie: So if you press a button or activate a POV/HAT, a set of key depressions are fired off?

- - - Updated - - -

Tarman said:
Yeah, all in-game setup. And yes, that stick is way better than a digital hat for thruster application. Answering your later question of what it's used with, I have a full setup of CH stuff; the throttle, the Flightstick, and the pedals which I use for roll instead of yaw like most pilots around here.

Here also is my fabulous high-tech Zero Point Detection system.

http://i.imgur.com/p7ueoYn.jpg
Click to expand...

Hi tech :)

I'll try a small bit of velcro fuzz/fur and let you know if it works well (for a detent)...
 
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Ving

V
NeilF said:
I've noticed some folks have assigned pip combinations to their POV switches, but that would mean pressing a POV in a direction issuing multiple keyboard commands (eg: down, right, right, for example). Is that something the Command Manager can easily do? ie: So if you press a button or activate a POV/HAT, a set of key depressions are fired off?
Click to expand...

Yes, very easily done with the command manager, and one of it's best features as compared to other controller editors.

- Turn off "DX Mode" for the button you want to assign a command to by clearing the check
- Right click in the Normal Action "Press" section and record your keystrokes, you'll end up with something like:
KBDOWN KBUP KBUP KBLEFT KBUP

The slightly longer, more slick method is to:
- Add a Command File (.cmc) from the Program Settings tab
- Add macros to the "Command File (CMC)" tab in the CM Editor (button on toolbar)
- In the Normal Action "Press" section of the button you want to assign the macro to, right-click and select Insert Command (or type it)

I have a bunch of power macros :
Pwr_240 KBDOWN KBUP KBUP KBLEFT KBUP
Pwr_420 KBDOWN KBLEFT KBLEFT KBUP KBLEFT
Pwr_303 KBDOWN KBRIGHT KBRIGHT KBLEFT KBLEFT
Pwr_033 KBDOWN KBRIGHT KBRIGHT KBUP KBUP

- - - Updated - - -

You can also define standard keyboard mappings in the CMC file. eg:

// ---------- Flight ---------- //
Yaw_L x
Yaw_R v
Yaw-Roll c
Thrust_L KP4
Thrust_R KP6
Thrust_Up KP8
Thrust_Dn KP5
Thrust_Fwd KBINS
Thrust_Bwd KBDEL
Reverse r
Speed_Up KBPGUP
Speed_Dn KBPGDN
Speed_0% RSHF
Speed_50% KBHOME
Speed_75% 7
Speed_100% KBEND
FA_OnOff KP.
Boost KP+

And then combine both macros, and keypresses on single buttons. For instance, I have one button with the Shifted Action set to "Gear Pwr_240 Boost", and it just carries out those commands in sequence.

The CH software is fantastic.
 

NeilF

NeilF
Ving said:
Yes, very easily done with the command manager, and one of it's best features as compared to other controller editors.

- Turn off "DX Mode" for the button you want to assign a command to by clearing the check
- Right click in the Normal Action "Press" section and record your keystrokes, you'll end up with something like:
KBDOWN KBUP KBUP KBLEFT KBUP

The slightly longer, more slick method is to:
- Add a Command File (.cmc) from the Program Settings tab
- Add macros to the "Command File (CMC)" tab in the CM Editor (button on toolbar)
- In the Normal Action "Press" section of the button you want to assign the macro to, right-click and select Insert Command (or type it)

I have a bunch of power macros :
Pwr_240 KBDOWN KBUP KBUP KBLEFT KBUP
Pwr_420 KBDOWN KBLEFT KBLEFT KBUP KBLEFT
Pwr_303 KBDOWN KBRIGHT KBRIGHT KBLEFT KBLEFT
Pwr_033 KBDOWN KBRIGHT KBRIGHT KBUP KBUP

- - - Updated - - -

You can also define standard keyboard mappings in the CMC file. eg:

// ---------- Flight ---------- //
Yaw_L x
Yaw_R v
Yaw-Roll c
Thrust_L KP4
Thrust_R KP6
Thrust_Up KP8
Thrust_Dn KP5
Thrust_Fwd KBINS
Thrust_Bwd KBDEL
Reverse r
Speed_Up KBPGUP
Speed_Dn KBPGDN
Speed_0% RSHF
Speed_50% KBHOME
Speed_75% 7
Speed_100% KBEND
FA_OnOff KP.
Boost KP+

And then combine both macros, and keypresses on single buttons. For instance, I have one button with the Shifted Action set to "Gear Pwr_240 Boost", and it just carries out those commands in sequence.

The CH software is fantastic.
Click to expand...

Mumma!

OK! That's very useful thanks!

So all your script/macro/keypress definitions live in a single definition/file?
 

Ving

V
NeilF said:
So all your script/macro/keypress definitions live in a single definition/file?
Click to expand...

Yes, here is a template with them in the same order as the Options | Controls in-game.
(tip - don't put 'tab' characters after the command name in order to make it look neat, it can cause buttons to not work properly...just use a single space)

// ---------- Flight ---------- //
Yaw_L
Yaw_R
Yaw-Roll
Thrust_L
Thrust_R
Thrust_Up
Thrust_Dn
Thrust_Fwd
Thrust_Bwd
Reverse
Speed_Up
Speed_Dn
Speed_0%
Speed_50%
Speed_75%
Speed_100%
FA_OnOff
Boost

// ---------- Travel ---------- //
FSD_Enable
FSD_Supercruise
FSD_Hyperspace
FSD_NextJump

// -- Targetting and Sensors -- //
Target_Fwd
Target_Next
Target_Prev
Target_Threat
Hostile_Next
Hostile_Prev
Target_Wing1
Target_Wing2
Target_Wing3
Target_WingT
Wingman_NavLock
SubSystem_Next
SubSystem_Prev

// --------- Weapons --------- //
FirePrimary
FireSecondary
FireGroup_Next
FireGroup_Prev
Hardpoints

// ----------- Misc ----------- //
SilentRunning
Heatsink
Lights
Sensors_ZoomIn
Sensors_ZoomOut
Power_ENG
Power_WEP
Power_SYS
Power_RST
CargoScoop
Mic_Mute
LandingGear
ShieldCell
Chaff
DebugCamera

// ----------- View ----------- //
UI_Focus
UI_Target
UI_Sensors
UI_Systems
QuickComms
UI_Comms
GalaxyMap
SystemMap
Headlook
Headlook_Reset
UI_Back

I actually don't bind any joystick buttons within E: D, I have all the buttons set to Mapped Mode and map them with the above commands (hence why I even have mappings for FirePrimary, FireSecondary). That way you can use the CH modes for different activities.

E.G. I only have the trigger mapped to FirePrimary when in red mode, in both green and orange modes (exploring and trading) the trigger is FSD. Not sure if you have the Fighterstick as well, but the principle is the same.

I found it to be the most flexible way to use the CH Throttle and Stick and it means you never have to go into the E: D options once you've got all the keys mapped. The CH software is much easier to use and try things out rather than re-mapping in-game.

If you don't have the Fighterstick as well I can highly recommend it :)
 
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scbfromnc

scbfromnc
CH Pro Throttle is a great throttle. I use it with a Thrustmaster T16000M joystick. You don't need to use the Control Manager software -- everything can be done in the game -- except power macros, etc as described above.
_
I tried using Control Manager to set up the macros, but after I did that, my in-game control profile disappeared! I looked inside the (hidden) folder and the file was still there but the game wouldn't detect it after I used CM. So I re-programmed in-game and tried using CM to just calibrate the joystick and it disappeared again! Can anyone help me understand what's going on and how I should deal with this?
 

Ving

V
scbfromnc said:
I tried using Control Manager to set up the macros, but after I did that, my in-game control profile disappeared! I looked inside the (hidden) folder and the file was still there but the game wouldn't detect it after I used CM. So I re-programmed in-game and tried using CM to just calibrate the joystick and it disappeared again! Can anyone help me understand what's going on and how I should deal with this?
Click to expand...

It will be to do with the different modes of the CH device probably (not the green, red, amber modes...the operating modes). There are three buttons on the toolbar of CH Control Manager for Off Mode, Direct Mode, and Mapped Mode. By default it is probably in Direct Mode, but if you add macros or key-presses to buttons in the CH software it will change to Mapped Mode when you Download the profile to the controller.

Direct and Mapped appear as different controllers to E: D, so if you set up the in-game bindings and then change the mode of the CH device, E: D will start with a new, empty binds file.

So, set your CH device to Mapped Mode, set-up your macros, and Download the profile to the device, and THEN configure the E: D bindings. Then you can edit the CH profile to your heart's content.

Sometimes after a re-boot the CH device will be in Direct Mode for some reason. If that happens just open your saved profile in the CH software and Download to the device again and it will re-set it to Mapped Mode.

Or use the CM Control Center software to set the default profile and operating mode.
 
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NeilF

NeilF
Ving said:
Yes, here is a template with them in the same order as the Options | Controls in-game.
(tip - don't put 'tab' characters after the command name in order to make it look neat, it can cause buttons to not work properly...just use a single space)
// ---------- Flight ---------- //
Yaw_L
Yaw_R
Yaw-Roll
Thrust_L
Thrust_R
Thrust_Up
Thrust_Dn
Thrust_Fwd
Thrust_Bwd
Reverse
Speed_Up
Speed_Dn
Speed_0%
Speed_50%
Speed_75%
Speed_100%
FA_OnOff
Boost

// ---------- Travel ---------- //
FSD_Enable
FSD_Supercruise
FSD_Hyperspace
FSD_NextJump

// -- Targetting and Sensors -- //
Target_Fwd
Target_Next
Target_Prev
Target_Threat
Hostile_Next
Hostile_Prev
Target_Wing1
Target_Wing2
Target_Wing3
Target_WingT
Wingman_NavLock
SubSystem_Next
SubSystem_Prev

// --------- Weapons --------- //
FirePrimary
FireSecondary
FireGroup_Next
FireGroup_Prev
Hardpoints

// ----------- Misc ----------- //
SilentRunning
Heatsink
Lights
Sensors_ZoomIn
Sensors_ZoomOut
Power_ENG
Power_WEP
Power_SYS
Power_RST
CargoScoop
Mic_Mute
LandingGear
ShieldCell
Chaff
DebugCamera

// ----------- View ----------- //
UI_Focus
UI_Target
UI_Sensors
UI_Systems
QuickComms
UI_Comms
GalaxyMap
SystemMap
Headlook
Headlook_Reset
UI_Back

I actually don't bind any joystick buttons within E: D, I have all the buttons set to Mapped Mode and map them with the above commands (hence why I even have mappings for FirePrimary, FireSecondary). That way you can use the CH modes for different activities.

E.G. I only have the trigger mapped to FirePrimary when in red mode, in both green and orange modes (exploring and trading) the trigger is FSD. Not sure if you have the Fighterstick as well, but the principle is the same.

I found it to be the most flexible way to use the CH Throttle and Stick and it means you never have to go into the E: D options once you've got all the keys mapped. The CH software is much easier to use and try things out rather than re-mapping in-game.
Click to expand...
OK! I'm, getting close to brain spaz levels now. I'll need to play :)


Ving said:
If you don't have the Fighterstick as well I can highly recommend it :)
Click to expand...
I would have except it didn't have twist yaw which I'd really like - and I didn't want to go pedals. So I've got a CObra M5 on the way!
 
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Togg

Togg
I as well have this throttle ( in addition to a Fighterstick and pro pedals). i have my throttle setup as forward only /with/ a button for reverse.

not gonna go through how i have mine setup for button layouts as thats a personal preference except for the mini-stick as strafe. with just a tad of deadzone for it as its spring doesnt always return dead center.

You will never regret the purchase as its a quality bit of kit.
 
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